Thursday, 29 September 2016

30 September 2016

Collects

Prayers
developed from the daily readings

Friday 30 September
2016

Morning
Prayer

Psalm
72

This
psalm asks that the King be blessed. Justice, righteousness, prosperity for the
people and production, defence of the poor and deliverance for the needy and
oppressed, are requested. May the king live long and be gentle. Peace,
dominion, abundance, compassion are all in this appeal. The psalm ends praising
and blessing God who makes all things possible.

Ezra
3: 9 – 4: 6

The foundation
stone of the new temple is laid and the people praise God. Shouts of joy are
mingled with the loud sobs of those who recall the old temple. The people of
the land, those who were enemies and not Jews, ask to be part of building the
temple too and to join in worshipping God. The heads of the families of Israel
say no. As a consequence the people of the land bribe officials to frustrate
the building process and when Ahasuerus becomes King of Persia they write an
accusation against Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Matthew
10: 16 – 27

Jesus
warns the disciples of the dangers of going out to heal the sick and cast out
demons. When the disciples are accused they are not to worry about what to say
but the Spirit will give them the right words. There will be dissent and the
tearing apart of families and people.The disciples will be hated in places. They are to flee when they can.
The disciples will be like Jesus but not above Jesus. If they already call
Jesus a demon in charge of demons we can expect they will call the disciples
something similar.

Then
Jesus tells them not to fear anything that happens will be revealed and that
they are to proclaim Jesus’ words even to his whispers.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Bush PathTroth Dredge-holeHarrietville Vic L Osburn

Holy Lord like a great coach you
send us out into the field prepared for the opposition and respecting the
challenges ahead. In the days ahead keep us alert to the opportunities to
proclaim your word, give us the words to say even when we are accused and the
wisdom to back away when needed so that we continue to proclaim your words even
from the housetops through Jesus Christ and the power of Your Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Friday 30 September
2016

Evening
Prayer

Psalm
73

The
psalmist begins saying how good God is and then confesses that he is about to
lose his belief because of envy of the success, prosperity and apparent freedom
from care the wicked possess. It bothers him daily and he is tempted to talk
about it but decides it would lead others astray. So he goes into the sanctuary
and prays. Through prayer he understands that what appears to be success and
freedom is temporary – like a dream. The psalmist recognises his own failings
and reaffirms the value of being with God, being guided by God and being valued
by God. Even if flesh fails God is our strength, our refuge and we can, with
that support tell of all God’s works.

1
Maccabees 6: 1 –17

King
Antiochus in his quest for wealth to refill his treasury to fund the war, comes
upon a city with a richly endowed temple. The people hear his plan and
successfully defend their city from his attack. Antiochus hears that Lysias has
been defeated and Jerusalem re-taken, the temple rebuilding continues and the
wall fortified. He becomes deeply distressed, cannot sleep at night, realises
he is dying and repents that he did what he did to Jerusalem. He hands the
crown and signet ring to his friend Philip to take to his son Antiochus for
whom Lysias was guardian. Lysias renames the boy Eupator.

Colossians 2: 8 – 15

Paul warns not to allow us to be
captured by philosophy or empty deceit or elemental spirits but only according
to Christ. In Christ all deity dwells. We have new forms of circumcision,
baptism, burial and rebirth. We have been made alive through forgiveness. We do
not have to go through the legalistic rules – those were all nailed to the
cross. Christ disarmed rules and authorities and triumphed.

Collect for Evening Prayer

ReedsThe Tronoh Dredge-holeHarrietville Vic L Osburn

Patient and loving God you are with
us always. You delight in our faithfulness and trust in you. Lift up our hearts
to celebrate your love, care and gift of new life so that we may be joyous and
energised in our lives of service to you through Jesus Christ our Lord and your
Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.